Kev

Looking back on our rising star nominations. Could only find four from 2016, Clayton Oliver, Christian Pettraca, James Harmes and Oscar Mcdonald. None in 2017, 2018 or this year. Is this an indication of our problems? Is it selection and/or development problems our of young players?

Buying players hasn't worked in the past. Tilbrook, Carmen, Ditterich and many more, none took us to finals. My guess is, May and Lever's big salaries have fractured the group. Not much joy out there for each other. Where is our camaraderie and gel? Seems it is manufactured by coaches saying great mates win games. I think respect needs to be genuine, that has disappeared. There seems to be groups within groups as they aren't doing the 1% nor helping each other to be better footballers. Delivery of the football needs to be to the team-mates advantage. So many times we put the receiver under pressure or it is a clanger. No trust in each other. Where are the natural footballers, who is taking the game on, where is our creativity and magic. Perhaps scrutiny of the mistakes at the review has shot their confidence. Too much finger pointing and complicated solutions. Coaches are not getting the best out of the players. We looked scared to get the ball or take the game on. Confidence is shot. Sometimes outward display of anger and frustration, is better than an intellectual response that gets in the head. They are full of anxiety. Better to be the passenger. Players who don't have an impact are getting games, must be doing a role set by the coach. Let's hope this brand of football changes to a culture of winning.

I was there about the same time (9.30). They must have been out from 9 o'clock. Just as dissatisfied, the captains runs and the cancelling of the two Wednesday trainings. They must have there reasons.

I don't subscribe to the idea that these elite sports people are tanking. They have a mind set of wanting to win otherwise they wouldn't be in the top tiers of AFL. The club would have plans much more complicated than my interpretations. Giving players a go at this time of the year and given our predicament on the ladder, I can see the benefits of the shuffles. Especially on a Friday night. It is good for them and I hope they play well. They want to feel good with a win and I think they hurt more than us spectators when they lose. (Basic psychology). Ps. I enjoy the humour.

It's what I interpreted from training this morning, (I added the run part). Drills of the backline palming low balls down. Slow simulations (to set up structures) then getting them to transition quickly from one wing to the other.

Protect the front and centre of packs and bring the ball to the ground. Plenty of switching of play and run, run, run!

Only watched the last ten minutes of training. They must have started early. Noticed they empathised communication and structure. Billy Stretch, Charlie Spargo, Alex Neal-Bullen, Marty Hore and Kade Chandler with the squad. No Harrison Petty, and I can't remember seeing Oskar Baker, Jayden Hunt or Oscar Mcdonald (could be wrong). It was good to see Jeff Garlett running laps.

Last year our midfield would swarm at the ball or the opponent with the ball. They caused fear, panic, intensiy and were able to put two or more goals on in a row. I've barely seen back-to-back goals this year (except at the start of a game, when we are 'fired up'). We just don't seem to scare teams this year. We lost our fight. The pressure we used to apply kept the ball locked down or created goals. Without the goal scoring this year, we aren't in the heads of the opponent. Our basic problems were there last year (turnovers, going missing for quarters and the other team scoring back-to-back, to-back goals without a reply) it is just amplified because of our lack of scoreboard pressure this year, and we seem to be always chasing. We used to score well in the time-on period, but can barely score heavily at anytime this year. We lack confidence. Even when we get out in front, usually with our good starts we let them back in. Teams used to get us on the spread. Now they just punch it into the spaces we create within our zones. Need to play accountable football with shoulder to shoulder defense, contesting/controlling the ball with a pack mentality and trusting each other. Without our pack mentality and trust we can't get the ball back, lock it down or score. Some outside run would also help. Stop the turnovers by improving our angles with better kicks/ handball to advantage. Looks like we are too straight with our delivery and leads. Works at training but in hard situations it is a method for turnovers. Need ruthlessness (to hammer teams when we are in front), stronger will power (to stop the oppositions back-to-back goals) and some improvement in footy IQ (to maintain possession, get it back, score goals and control the tempo).

Wandered over to Gosh's this morning. Appears training was cancelled. The rehab squad was out there. Joel Smith running straight lines with a tracker. Looks strong and has bulked up around the hip area. Aaron Nietschke and Tom Sparrow walking and running laps. Jake Lever was doing lots of ball work with two trainers. Appeared to be moving without restrictions.

I can't remember seeing him on the paddock this morning.

It was a short run for the squad, 30 to 40 minutes. No emergencies out there. Rehab had Steven May doing laps with some ball work, Joel Smith walking with a tracker on and Aaron Nietschke laps. The drills begun with paired kicking at which we looked a bit off. Next was short runs with sharp direction changes. A full squad ball movement of run, kicking and loud calls. Looked very good, barely a clanger. Then two groups of mids moving the ball around two defenders and delivering into a leading forward. Lastly, they used Jordan Lewis and a coach delivering into two crowded areas, defenders intercepting well and an occasional success. They split into line squads. Christian Pettraca, Corey and Josh Wagner in with the mids, as was Oscar Baker but with less participation. They spent time talking about the set-ups at the ruck. Jordan Lewis and Bayley Fritsch with the forwards. They did some high marking off a bag and developing quick reactions by using blind turns and starts with lying face down on the ground. The backs had 7 players in it including Nathan Jones. Emphasis was closing space and using angles to open up and maintain possession. They finished with goal kicking, generally positive except for Harrison Petty who was struggling to kick straight. Ball fading either left or right. Brendan McCartney working with him and Jayden Hunt (mainly snaps).

The mood was light-hearted. Plenty of laughter, even the first few drills were about games and fun. The rehab included Sam Weideman, Marty Hore and Billy Stretch. Jake Melksham in the main group though not doing the contact work and still doing some fitness training. James Harmes on light duties. Charlie Spargo also in the main squad with full participation as was Tim Smith. Oscar Baker appeared to be on the outside of full program, as was Oscar Mcdonald, Toby Bedford and James Jordon. The squad quickly begun simulations. Emphasis was plenty of switches with entry into an open forward area after creating overlaps. They went back to drills of clearing the contested area. Then returned to more simulations. Only at the end did they do work in the line squads. Nathan Jones with the backs, he was vocal and setting up the release with good angles to open up the space. The backs working on blocking, rolling and staying with their opponents. Harrison Petty in the forwards, holding most of his marks and finishing well. Christian Pettraca and Corey Maynard with the mids. I think Jay Kennedy-Harris and Corey Wagner could be a chance for selection. Not much goal kicking practice. The intensity was there at appropriate times.

The rehab group (Jake Melksham, Billy Stretch, Tim Smith and Tom Sparrow) included some getting fitness test or light duties. Max Gawn, Steven May, Braydon Preuss, Christian Salem, Harrison Petty, Clayton Oliver and I think Neville Jetta, all joining the main squad at various times. After warm-ups the main squad separated to line coaches for some ball movement drills. Then they formed into balanced groups and continued the ball movement. The last drill, a 3/4 field positioning with a variety of finishes. I did not see a clanger. Simulations showed the same professional style. The coaches included competitions between groups. They also brought some lightness when the squad gathered in the centre, Still our mood appeared subdued though I sense some resolve. Finished with goal kicking then individual and small group development. Jake Lever looks certain into the backline. Nathan Jones with the backs. Harrison Petty did not participate in collision drills but did everything else. I expect he will play. James Jordan and Corey Maynard working with the mids pushing for selection, as was Oscar Mcdonald in the backs but I don't think they are in. The forwards had many crumbers in it including, Jay Kennedy-Harris and Oscar Baker, tough competition for places. The practice emphasised delivery from just outside the 50. Austin Bradke, dancing around with Max Gawn and Braydon Preuss in rucking drills.

TRAINING Tuesday 9 July Mood was subdued. Out in three squads, VFL , AFL and the rehab. Braydon Preuss unseen, Jake Melksham running laps, Max Gawn getting time tested (running freely), Jack Viney on light duties, Tim Smith and Billy Stretch running laps. The younger players in the VFL squad are all matched with experienced players, Brendan McCartney directing traffic. Toby Bedford and James Jordan looking good as was Corey Wagner. Jake Lever vocal, Oscar Baker moving well as was Oscar Mcdonald. The AFL squad drill with a soccer game, then move to some serious goal kicking of 35 meters out then some bananas. Kyle Dunkley looks ready to go again. Kade Kolodjashnij working with the AFL squad or it could have been Michael Hibberd wearing his number. The run lasted less than an hour, on a beautiful Melbourne morning.

The squad out together on Gosh's for a clean, precise captains run. Started with warm up drills followed by short passing. After some run throughs, they went down for some serious goal kicking. Some coaches on the mark, including Simon Goodwin guiding the accuracy. They split into the line teams. Forwards practising rolling from a defender to create spread and overlap. Sam Wiedeman and Jayden Hunt working leads at different angles at the end of training. Braydon Preuss working off Stafford with taps to the mids, Jordan Lewis with Kyle Dunkley and the others working inside. Angus Brayshaw a little proppy, Clayton Oliver a touch off (hope it is just at training). Back line looks compact and there was connection between Sam Frost and Steven May. Appeared to be working on timing the release and hitting a player down the corridor. Christian Pettraca and Jack Viney had light duties. The rehab had Jake Melksham running with timed laps, Billy stretch, Tim Smith and I think James Jordan and Kade Chandler. Mood was subdued, could be just going through the paces, though Jordan Lewis up about his selection. Max Gawn was not in the squad.

The private conversation went like this. Me "We need to win 4 in a row". Brendan,"We will win the next 6". Me, "Get the best out of them"

Brendan McCartney says we will win the next six. Braydon Preuss ran out with the second group. He looked a little nervous though up. Missed a few snaps and ground ball gets. Thought JKH a chance and Michael Hibberd to play. Didn't notice anything about Dunkley

Half the team begin with goal kicking some defenders at the other end and the rest are in the rooms. It 's a big squad on Gosh's. The lankier bodies are put through angle changing run through as the stocky type are using bands to restrict run. Lever in rehab. Neville Jetta in main squad as is Michael Hibberd. Christian Pettraca appeared a Little proppy. An all in drill of moving ball by hand looked great. Clean and precise ball use. The simulations nearly full contact. With a lot of niggle from the defenders. The simulations finished with the forwards and backs (Rawlings setting up well), in the fifty and the midfield on the wings or centre, competing for ball and connecting as the coaches instruct. The final drills were angle changing sprints, some rugby style ball movement and tackling and the one on one contested mark. Oscar Baker had a light training session. Simon Goodwin working with the small halfbacks, spoils, hand and body positioning. There was also plenty of peer assistance to the younger players from Jack Viney, Jordan Lewis and Max Gawn. Overall, a long hard training in beautiful full sun of a Melbourne winter.

I noticed Oscar Mcdonald having an individual session at Gosh's Park on friday. Appeared to be a skills and fitness test. By the end he was still hitting targets by foot on the run, after leads and some timed laps. He looked stern and focused, showing good fitness and skills. I saw Colin Garland going through something similar and he couldn't break back into the 22. Can see him getting back in.

If developing then admin overlooking the yarra. Would help them feel professional, proud and privileged.

Had a look at Gosch Park area. They could develop a warf and social club on the yarra. Just walk under the freeway. Be a great meeting place and people could ferry to the area of sporting and botanical. Parks and waterways victoria would need to invest. By the way saw rehabbers; Tim smith, oscar Mcdonald, Michael Hibberd and Neville Jetta. Hibs and jets working with Crossy. Clean at the ball and good foot skills. Can't be far off. Oscar working on kicking skills mainly the stab pass. Tim marking well.

Is there a captains run tomorrow on Gosh's Park? Anyone have the times?

Looking at Google maps , it is about 170 × 170 m (with tennis court area add another 50 meters). Just enough room to put a field without spectators at the goal ends. Could incorporate the tennis courts next to it in a multi level sport, admin, hospital and parking area. Only a thought, especially as the MCC may be more accommodating to MFC than councils. Close to Fawkner or albert park fields during cricket season.

Fawkner Park: Build with The Alfred hospital, sports medicine and concussion specialists department and three level underground car park. Assist South Yarra soccer, rugby union, cricket club and other sporting groups in the area. Create social club that can be utilised by hospital staff, patients and others. Or develope the; MCC Albert Ground on the corner of St.Kilda Rd and Roy st. Also close enough as well to partner with The Alfred hospital.